Free viewing party at Family Caregivers Center of Mercy

The Family Caregivers Center of Mercy will serve as a host site for a live webinar broadcast aimed at family caregivers. The 60-minute broadcast features an interactive Q & A with Nashville author and speaker Peter Rosenberger. Rosenberger will lead the free webinar, "Unstuck: Lightening the Heart of the Family Caregiver with Humor," at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25.

A local, live simulcast of the event will be held at the Family Caregivers Center of Mercy, 901 8th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids. Those interested in attending the free event should register at www.familycaregiverscenter.org or call (319) 221-8866. A light dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. Caregiving assistance is available for those who would like to attend this event; please indicate when registering.

Webinar participants will learn how to lighten their heart, rediscover their identity and find a safe emotional path – with a healthy dose of Rosenberger’s humor and candor.

"After more than 30 years on the path as a family caregiver for my wife, Gracie, – including 78 operations, the amputation of both her legs, 60 doctors in 12 hospitals and $9 million medical bills – I’ve learned: it’s okay to laugh," Rosenberg said.

The webinar, which is part of AARP’s nationwide educational series on family caregiving, will be simulcast at locations around the country.

"Humor is a healthy expression of a healthy heart – not a defense mechanism," said Rosenberger. "I’ve learned that family caregivers cannot only survive, but thrive in the midst of oftentimes grim circumstances."